does it make sense to boycott movies with rabid anti-gun actors?

[Kor]

Well, I like certain movies, and certain recording artists, and I can usually enjoy their performances without being too concerned about their personal politics or beliefs, unless their social/political messages are being forced down my throat during said performance. For example, I really like the music of James Taylor and John Mellencamp, even though I disagree with their politics.

By the same token, I don't like the idea of financially supporting an artist whose expressed political/social opinions are antithetical to my own, no matter how small my contribution may be in comparison to the rest of their royalties.

My solution: I buy used DVD's and CD's. That way, I'm not adding anything to said artist's royalties(they already got paid once when the previous owner bought the disc new), but I still get to enjoy a movie or an album I like, while saving several $$ over buying it new myself. It may be more than a matinee movie ticket, but I'm the sort of person who likes to watch favorite movies over and over again, when the mood strikes me - so I still prefer to buy the DVD, instead of a one-time movie ticket or paying to rent the disc. Plus, I'm also supporting a local small business when I buy my used movies/albums from my local used-book/used-record store.

 

[ksnecktieman]

When I was young, a pound of candy, a toy gun, a loaf of bread, or a trip to the movies were in the 35 to 50 cent range. Today 25 or 30 dollars can be spent going to a movie with goodies. I think that is the main reason for low box office sales.
I buy a fair number of DVDs, usually from walmarts 5.50 sale bin. I do not see that as much support to the actors pockets.
I do avoid some for "political reasons", like the fat slob with BFC, or the dixie dips. Some are good enough I will ignore their political leanings and watch them anyway.

 

[Master Blaster]

Boycott Mel Gibson Jew hater

I'm currently boycotting Mel Gibson, and Guns dont matter, He used to be one of my favorite actors until recently.

You see I dont support folks who preach hate, especially when its directed at me and mine.

 

[PILMAN]

Whats wrong with Nicholas Cage I thought The Rock was good, Lord Of War was a pretty good movie, Gone in 60 seconds, although Windtalkers sucked.

I thought that world trade center movie he did was well done as well.

 

[Stauble]

i try to tun a blind eye to it, but some actors i just cant stand, or have said things so dumb that i cant support them. i will nvr watch a sean penn or george clooney movie

nor can ever watch tom cruise, wich is ashamed cause i really liked the last samurai

and i nvr liked the dixie chics to begin with so i dont listen to them anyways.

 

[FireArmFan]

I love movies. I tend to not really look into the actors personal lives and their politicss. However, I havent paid for a movie in the theaters for the last 5 years and I see at least 1 movie a week. Since I get in free i'm not really contributing any money to them anyways. If a movie is good i will watch it. I wouldnt not see a movie because of an actors views. I do however find it kind of annoying when an actor is "anti gun" but they play parts in films where they have guns. For example the new Bond. If you are going to give the media your point of view, then stick by it and support it.

 

[rangerruck]

I personally think that Alec Baldwin, is one of the 20 or so best actors this country ever produced. i will not see this movie because he is in it. Believe me, hollywood does the research , and they will know why you don't go.
they personally may not care, but when they go to do their next movie , and ask for 10 mil and only get 5, it stings like an indian burn, and they feel it.

 

[No_Brakes23]

I wonder, how many of the "I'll never watch an anti-gun actor" crowd likes to watch John Wayne films?

For me, I judge more on the quality of the actor, or how interesting the story is.

I actually liked Lord of War, especially since it pointed out that despite all the "Control Arms" crap talk, the U.N.'s key members are the ones who provide most of the world's arms.

Plus the AK bio was visually nice.

More offensive is the purely ignorant stuff like Die Hard 2's "more than you make" Glock, and Four Brother's "Triple Action." (Both movies I enjoyed, BTW.)

 

[lionking]

hmm,let me use this thread to give thanks to some celebs who go a little extra to support troops,even better if the are pro 2nd amendment like Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris, a career martial artist and actor, shakes hands with Gunnery Sgt. John C. Pollack, intelligence chief for Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). Following the meet-and-greet, Norris and fellow screen actor Marshall Teague joined a military formation of 20 service members to promote three of the Marine Corps’ newest corporals. Gen. Robert Magnus, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, then took time to speak to the Marines on how their efforts in Iraq are helping the general population. Pollack is a 34-year-old from San Diego.

 

[lionking]

WWF stars visit troops in Afghanistan and fire weapons.

 

[lionking]

not in order.Ted Nugent.Toby Keith.Robin Williams.Pam Anderson.Tom Selleck.Ben Affleck.Hugh Jackman.Kelsey Grammer.Halle Berry.Blink 182.Conan Obrian.Alyssa Milano.Tiger Woods.Charlie Daniels.

Unfortunately while some support the troops more need to support the 2nd amendment.

 

[orionengnr]

haven't been to a movie

since Forrest Gump, and that won't change soon.

There are a lot of reasons for that.
First and foremost is Hollyweird's anti-gun stance. I am consistent in this manner as I also refuse to walk into (for example) Taco Cabana, due to their anti-gun postings.

I don't look at it as a boycott per se...more of a choice. They make their choices, I make mine.

If I needed another reason (and I don't), people have no sense of decorum these days. Am I going to pay $9 to listen to someone yap on their cell phone in a theater? I think not.

 

[44AMP]

The question asked was

Does it make sense to boycott....

Yes, of course. It keeps a little bit of money (ours) out of their pockets.

Is it effective? That is another question. Boycott's only work if 1) the people being boycotted know that they are losing money. 2) They know WHY they are losing money. And, 3) they lose enough money to matter to them, so they change their actions.

I go to the movies once in a while, Some movies are just more enjoyable in a theater. And I have been able to seperate in my mind, the difference between a performer's stage persona and their personal political views.

If you are going to avoid movies with anti-gun actors in them you should also avoid movies with pro-gun actors, if they are made by anti-gun directors or producers. And you should let them know. Otherwise you waste half your effect. These people know that, for every person who actually takes the time and effort to write them there are a dozen or so who feel exactly the same way, but won't bother to write.

Studios, TV networks, and politicians know that if they get a few hundred calls and letters from people all upset about something that there are actually a few thousand people upset at that thing.

See the movies you want. If the actors do their jobs well, what does their personal opinion matter. They are actors. Their job is make believe. To make us believe something that isn't real (their character).

If you boycott someone, you should boycott the people who want us to believe that an actor/artist/musician's social/political view is superior to anyone else's.

 

[RealGun]

It depends if one is truly a person of principle. If one let's lots of things slide in other contexts, it would be better not to be a hypocrite. For example, if you find Howard Stern entertaining and would defend his air time, your reasons for boycotting someone else in a gun context would be purely political. Of course, you could also avoid something just because it irritates you, never mind the principals involved. An example of that would be Natalie Manes and the Dixie Chicks.